By: Natasha Archary
Chaos broke out at COPE’s media briefing when party members attacked each other in a physical altercation.
It is believed that a faction within COPE interrupted leader, Mosiuoa Lekota’s briefing where he was addressing the media about developments preceding his suspension.
Disgruntled party members want Lekota to vacate his seat with immediate effect as they say he lacks the strength to lead COPE.
Things escalated when Willie Madisha, Deputy President of COPE and Dennis Bloem, spokesperson announced on Monday Lekota would be suspended for failing to execute his duties.
Lekota has been blamed for creating divisions within the party and was issued with an immediate letter of suspension.
Before COPE party members attacked each other at the media briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Mosiuoa Lekota dismissed the allegations that he’s unfit to perform his duties.
“There have been a number of media briefings that have taken place, even today, one of these young boys have said that I’m old and unfit and I should retire. In other provinces they have told people that I am actually on my way to the grave and there is no way that I will be able to come back and lead the party.
Now, as you can see for yourself, I am not frail, I am well enough to lead the party. Before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer till this day, I drive myself wherever I need to go, I don’t have a driver.”
The altercation ensued when Takalane Raidani, a member of COPE’s youth movement approached Lekota to “assist him” in vacating his seat.
Lekota said he is not going anywhere and said that he cannot be suspended by three individuals walking the streets.
He said he will accept his suspension if a majority of the party’s Congress National Committee (CNC) in a sitting vote for him to be suspended.
[WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT] A scuffle breaks out during COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota's media briefing on developments preceding his suspension from the party. For the full video, visit https://t.co/L1iLkUdfBR pic.twitter.com/f4SY4GWnIP
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 31, 2022
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